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Bucket list experience:

Exterior of modern museum with bushes and grass lawn in front
Last updated: 04 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Dana Facaros

Housed in a low, modest-looking building among pretty Mediterranean gardens, this museum houses the painter Marc Chagall’s remarkable cycle of 17 glowing, colour-drenched paintings inspired by the Bible. This permanent collection is the biggest public collection of works by the artist anywhere.

One of the greatest artists of the 20th century, Chagall has an entirely unique style that borrowed from many schools of modern art, including Cubism, Fauvism, Symbolism, Surrealism, Orphism and Futurism.

The artist was heavily inspired by the Cote d’Azur, and lived in nearby Vence from the 1940s to the 1980s, becoming a key part of the region’s rich art scene.

Replete with Chagall’s trademark folk symbolism, the colour-saturated, dreamlike works in Nice’s pristine white museum have a special magic, especially the brilliant red Song of Songs.

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Price from: £8
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Parking is difficult, and it’s a long slog up the hill, especially in the hot summer months, so take the No.15 bus from Place Massena or a taxi. Bring some ID to temporarily exchange for one of the museum’s excellent audio guides in English, and allow time to see the fascinating 30-minute film on Chagall in the museum auditorium.

There’s a café in the gardens serving light meals and drinks from February to December.

When to do it

The museum is open all year round, Wednesday to Monday. Closed Tuesdays. There’s free entry on the first Sunday of each month.

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Hotel Villa Victoria

Nice, Cote d'Azur, France[1.4 miles]

This attractive, friendly and affordable 4-star boutique hotel stands out for its lovely garden. It’s handily located just outside the pedestrianised area of Old Nice, close to Nice’s main sights, and a short walk to its beach.

Official star rating:

Deck Hotel

Nice, Cote d'Azur, France[1.5 miles]

This fun, colourful and affordable design hotel channels this area’s beach clubs, just off Nice’s Promenade des Anglais.

Official star rating:

Palais Saleya

Nice, Cote d'Azur, France[1.5 miles]

Contemporary suites and apartments set in an attractive 18th-century building, in a superb location in Old Nice. A great base for a few days in Nice.

Official star rating:

Hyatt Regency Palais de la Mediterranee

Nice, Cote d'Azur, France[1.7 miles]

Big, full-service hotel with a flashy image, set in a historic casino on Nice’s famous Promenade des Anglais seafront.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

French Riviera

Cote d'Azur, France

Money, glamour and bombshell looks: this beach-trimmed stretch of French coast offers decadent hotels, lounging in beach clubs, fine restaurants and world-class art.

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Nice

Cote d'Azur, France

The buzzing, art-filled, foodie capital of the French Riviera, with a charming, Italian-influenced historic centre. The ideal base for a first-time visit to the Cote d’Azur, and home to the world-renowned Nice Carnival.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Nice Carnival

Nice, Cote d'Azur, France[0.8 miles]

Parades, costumes, flower ‘battles’, lights, and sun: Nice holds one of the world’s best carnivals – second only to Rio.

Best for ages: 4+ | Free | 2 weeks

Matisse Museum

Nice, Cote d'Azur, France[1.2 miles]

A beautiful 17th-century Genoese mansion that now houses a museum dedicated to the art of Nice’s longtime resident, Henri Matisse.

Best for ages: 18+ | £8

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Nice Museum of Fine Arts

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Best for ages: Any | Free

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Villa Kerylos

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